SHORTLANDSPARISH NEWS

theSPANSt. Mary’s, Shortlands

endeavours to bring the love

of God into the everyday lives

of the people of Shortlands. February 2008. Year 29 Number 2www.stmarysshortlands.org.uk

Anglican tradition still has its placeby Canon Paul Miller

This was the title of an excellent

article in the Sunday Telegraph on 30

December 2007. It was written by

Canon David Meara the Rector of St.

Bride's, Fleet Street in London.

Having preached at a Carol

Service for lawyers at St. Clement

Dane's Church in the Strand, London

and having witnessed packed

churches here in Shortlands over the

Christmas period, what Canon Meara

sets out is a very helpful assessment

of what I, too, feel the Church of

England has to offer at this particular

time in our nation's history. The

article follows:

“During December at St Bride's in

Fleet Street we have held about 25

carol services, and on each occasion

the church has been full.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas

morning we again had capacity

congregations and I have no doubt

that Anglican churches across the

land can tell a similar story.

Not that there is a massive

religious revival under way; it's just

that reports of the imminent demise

of the Church of England have been

greatly exaggerated.

People come to church because

they want a story to connect with, a

guiding narrative that helps them

make sense of human existence, and

because they have found that

unthinking multiculturalism and

rampant secularism don't satisfy and

don't work.

But if these spiritual needs are to

be prope r l y nur tu red , then

Anglicanism needs to rediscover its

quiet, understated confidence in the

balance between Scripture, reason

and tradition, and to assert this in the

face of an increasingly intolerant

fundamentalism. One feature that

drew me into the Church of England

was its generous tolerance of diverse

opinions held together by the beauty

of Cranmer's liturgy.

"Thou hast set my feet, O Lord, in

a large room," says the psalmist, and I

give thanks for the large room that is

the Church of England, in which

those who seek meaning and purpose

can be welcomed, whatever stage of

belief or unbelief they have reached.

My own church has endeavoured

to embody this. As the journalists'

church, our doors are open to all of

the Fourth Estate, and we have

hosted debates on such subjects as

Islamophobia, capital punishment,

the City, religion and the media. We

attempt to look outwards, raising

issues for debate rather than

peddling dogmatic certainties.

We rejoice in the Anglican via

media, a church which is both

catholic and reformed, with a robust

outlook that puts dialogue before

dogma and practical involvement in

the community before theological

posturing.”

A Service of Confirmation conducted by the Bishop of Tonbridge was held at the beginning of January at St. Mary’s Shortlands.Pictured here with the Bishop are (from left to right) Sophia Pearson, Anna Fiddeman, Canon Paul Miller, Jennifer Sewell, RachelTillotson, Grace Newman, Reverend Alison Newman, Maria Adam, Naasson Swan, Ciborney Swan and Betty Rider.

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At RestWe extend our sympathy to those

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PICTURE FRAMING

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Oils, Photographs,Watercolours, Tapestries,

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Jo Powell, 3 Highfield Drive,Shortlands

We record our thanks fordonations during the month of

December of £8.15

SPAN THANKS

refund through their insurance

company.

I h a v e l e d g r o u p s t o

Oberammergau in 1984 (the 350th

anniversary), 1990 and 2000. It is a

unique experience and I very much

hope we can get a good party from

Shortlands to travel.

Watch out for the brochures

which will be in the Church porch or

available from the Parish Office.

Details are also available at

www.mccabe-travel.co.uk

arrangements will be made through

McCabe Pilgrimages.

Because the Passion Play only

takes place every 10 years seats for

the Play are booked very quickly. I

have reserved places for 45 and

brochures will be released during

March. To reserve your place you will

need to place an initial deposit of

£200. A second deposit will be

required in July 2009. When the

second deposit is paid, the McCabe

booking conditions will apply and

anyone cancelling would apply for a

Oberammergau 2010excellent view. Nearer the front, you

are closer to the action but further

back you enjoy the full dramatic

panorama. Seats are under cover and

there is under-floor heating but the

stage is open to the elements with the

mountains as a natural backdrop.

I will be organising a visit to the

Passion Play from Shortlands and

combining it with a stay in the

Austrian mountain resort of Maria

Alm. We shall depart on 11 August

2010 and stay 5 nights at the 4 star

Alpenland Hotel in Maria Alm. This is

a wonderful walking area but there

will also be optional excursions to

Salzburg, the Krimml National Park

and a Mozart dinner concert. On

Monday 16 August we shall transfer

to Oberammergau for a 2 night stay.

We shall see the Play on Tuesday 17

August and then return home on

Wednesday 18 August.

Flights will be with BA or

Lufthansa scheduled flights from

Heathrow to Munich.

The cost will be £1,095 on a half

board basis. Single room supplement

£70 in Maria Alm. In Oberammergau

single rooms are unlikely to be

available but if they are they will be

allocated without charge. The

by Canon Paul Miller

Towards the end of the Thirty Years’

War in Central Europe there was an

outbreak of the plague in Bavaria. The

e l d e r s o f t h e v i l l a g e o f

Oberammergau, in an effort to protect

their village, decided to seal it off from

outside contact. But an itinerant

worker returned, bringing the plague

with him, and it swept through the

village.

Whereupon the people solemnly

vowed that, if God would show his

compassion and lift the scourge,

every ten years they would enact the

Passion of our Lord.

The plague left the village in 1633

and, as a perpetual thanksgiving and

re-affirmation of faith, the villagers of

Oberammergau have performed the

Passion Play at regular intervals ever

since.

The Play is now performed every

10 years. For the first time, the Play in

2010 will be performed during the

afternoon and evening. The duration

of the performance is five hours with a

three hour break for dinner in the

middle: 2.30pm - 5.00pm; interval;

8.00pm - 10.30pm.

The theatre seats 4,800 people

and has no pillars so all seats have an

What does Canon Paul Miller have in

common with Kate Moss, the super

model, Jacqueline Gold, the founder

of Ann Summers, Jonny Wilkinson,

the England rugby player, Darren

Clarke, the golfer and German

Chancellor Angela Merkel?

They join the 1000 new entries

in the 160th annual edition of more

than 33,000 personal pictures of

those 'whose achievements the

publisher deems notable to today's

society'. Canon Paul's personal

profile is now included as he is a

Chaplain to the Queen.

The first edition of Who's Who -

a compact, 250 page volume, one

tenth of the size of the 2008 edition

- was published in 1849.

John was born in Charlton. He was an

only child. He married Gertrude

(known as Pom) in April 1938.

John was a successful insurance

agent. Prior to that he had served in

the army and before that he was a

butcher.

Life was never the same for him

after Pom died in 2002 although he

did enjoy learning to cook and caring

for the wildlife in his garden.

A Service of Thanksgiving,

conducted by Canon Paul Miller and

attended by his niece Jill as well as

friends and neighbours, took place at

Beckenham Crematorium prior to

cremation.

Do you want help withyour prayers?

The Parish Daily Prayer Cycle isavailable from the Church porchand focuses on aspects of thechurch and community life inShortlands.

Lent 2008There are a number of ways we are helping you to get the most out of Lent1. Join a HomegroupThere will be a series of Homegroups meeting in Lent starting 11 February. These will be held at various homes inthe locality, and anyone is welcome to come. The Homegroups will be following the York Course and studying theLord’s Prayer, the world’s most famous prayer. The Prayer raises vital questions for today’s world in which ‘dailybread’ is uncertain for 2 billion people and a refusal to ‘forgive those who trespass against us’ escalates violence.

Monday - 2.30pm at 55 Kenwood DriveMonday - 8.00pm at 75 Scotts LaneTuesday - 8.00pm at 7 Scotts AvenueWednesday - 10.00am at 92 Cumberland Road

(This group welcomes any who would like to come along with young children)Wednesday - 8.00pm at 102 Elwill WayWednesday - 8.00pm at 31 Elwill WayThursday - 8.00pm at 8 Springpark DriveIf you would like further information please contact Reverend Alison Newman, telephone 8658 7784

2. Lent LunchesA simple lunch for up to 10 people to provide an opportunity for hospitality and to support a charity.

Thursday, 14 Feb - Cliff & Shirley Broughton, 1 St. Mary’s Avenue - supporting Demelza HouseTuesday, 26 Feb - David & Jane Green, 84 Barnfield Wood Road - supporting Sight Savers InternationalTuesday, 4 Mar - Gloria Carpenter, 86 Manor Way - supporting Mother’s Union Literacy ProjectSaturday, 8 Mar - Paul & Lynne Miller, 37 Kingswood Road - supporting SOS Village BethlehemIf you would like further information please contact Canon Paul Miller, telephone 8460 4989

For both the Homegroups and Lent Lunches there are sign up sheets at the back of the Church.

3. Attend the main Sunday morning service every Sunday to hear a series of sermonsentitled 'Favourite Hymns'.

Feb 10 'God in the silence' Dear Lord and Father of mankind Canon Paul Miller

Feb 17 'A symphony of praise' Praise, my soul, the King of heaven Reverend Alison Newman

Feb 24 'Thanksgiving' Now thank we all our God Archdeacon of Bromley and Bexley

Mar 2 'Mothering Sunday' For the beauty of the earth Reverend Alison Newman

Mar 9 'The Pilgrim's song' Who would true valour see Canon Paul Miller

4. Endeavour to participate in the experience of Holy Week

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year is Wednesday 6 February which is also the anniversary of the Queen's

Accession in 1952. There will be two services at 10.00am and 8.00pm.

Palm Sunday 10.30am Procession of Palms and Eucharist for Palm Sunday

6.30pm A Passiontide Service of Readings, Anthems and Hymns for Holy Week

Maundy Thursday 8.00pm Washing of Feet, Eucharist of the Last Supper and the Watch

Good Friday 10.30am Family Service led by Reverend Alison Newman

2.00pm An Hour at the Cross led by Canon Paul Miller

Easter Day 8.00am Sunrise Eucharist

10.30am Eucharist of the Resurrection including the renewal of Baptismal Vows and

the Easter Egg Treasure Hunt

If you would like to remembera departed loved one at theGreat Festival of Easter, we

invite you to make a donationto the Flower Fund as a

memorial to that person.A list of the names of all

those to be remembered willbe placed on the altar on

Easter Day, to affirm our hopein the Resurrection to eternal

life and the Christian’seternal security in Christ.

Please contact Molly Touton 8464 9593.

EasterLilies

FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S, SHORTLANDSALL-AGE QUIZ AND BEETLE DRIVE

Come and join the Friends for a fun evening on

Saturday, 1 March, at 7.00 for 7.15 pm

in the Church Hall

Fish and Chip Supper – Bring Your Own Drinks

Tables of 6 – or make up a table on arrival

Tickets £7.50 each or £25 for a family of 4 – available from

Friends Committee members of from the Parish Office

Bible Reading FellowshipLent Book

The BRF Lent Book this year is

‘Journey to Jerusalem’ by the

Reverend David Winter. It brings

together the four Gospels retracing

Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem with the

disciples alongside him and

culminates in the events of Good

Friday and Easter. It costs £7.99.

If you would like a copy, or if you

would like more information, please

contact Judy Rambridge on

8650 0947.

St Mary's ShortlandsHoliday Club 2008

Champion's Challenge

will run fromMonday 18 August to

Friday 22 August10.00am - 3.00pm

for all primary school children

Booking starts 1 March,closing date 13 July 2008

PARISH OFFICE Tel/Fax 8460 5682e-mail: office@stmaryshortlands.plus.comOpen 9.00 am - 12.30 weekdays. Informationregarding Baptisms and Weddings can beobtained during these hours.

OSTEOPATH

Fully qualified and registeredMr. Andreas Jochim D.O., Msc

50 Scotts Lane, Shortlands

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INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICESavings & investments, Pre- and Post-Retirement

Planning including Pensions & Annuities,Protection, Long Term Care and Tax Planning

on Tel: 020 8460 6088

Mob: 07970 810572 Fax: 020 8460 6106

Email: djmaguireifa@btinternet.com

Contact David Maguire

THE SHORTLANDSDENTAL PRACTICE

98 MARTINS ROAD

SHORTLANDS BR2 0EF

PRIVATE * QUALITY CARE * NHSDENPLAN AVAILABLE

Tel/Fax 020 8464 7520

SPANWebsite www.stmarysshortlands.org.ukEditorial Parish Office 8460 5682Distribution Mr. A. Jones 8460 5437

Mrs. J. Kelsey 8466 1093

ADVERTISING: £10 per column inch per issue.For details please call 8460 5682 during office hours.Copy by the 5th of each month to SPAN, ChurchHouse, 39Kingswood Road, Shortlands, BR2 0PU

Views expressed by contributors are not necessarilythose supported by the publishers, and noresponsibility can be accepted for accuracy. Neithercan the publishers accept responsibility for workcarried out by advertisers.

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ChiropodistReflexologist

Sally ThorogoodMSSh MBChA MRXS MCRS

100 Kenwood Drive

Beckenham BR3 6RA 020 8650 2738

CHRISTOPHER MEZZETTIAccounting Systems, Bookkeeping, Payroll and

Taxation Services

Tel: 020 8460 6363 Fax: 020 7117 1653email: christophermezzetti@btinternet.com

The Parish Churchof St. Mary,Shortlands

Link Parish

St. Francis ofAssisi, Douai, France

LOCAL COUNCILLORS (L.B.B.)

LOCAL NUMBERSCllr. E. Noad 8462 3295Cllr. G. Taylor 8289 7893Highfield Infants� School 8464 7804Highfield Junior School 8460 2597Residents' Association 8460 4060

Shortlands Safer Neighbourhood 07920 233848

ST. MARY'S ORGANISAT1ONSMothers & Toddlers Mrs. M. Parr 8460 3871Mothers' Union Mrs. P. White 8460 9357Friends of St. Mary's Miss. J. Rambridge 8650 0947Scouts GSL Mr. C. Wood 8658 1825Scouts (Fri.) Mr. T. Watson 8650 0184Cubs (Mon.) Mrs. L. Swatton 8650 0397Cubs (Tues.) Mr. D. Hope 8466 5545Beavers &

admissions Mr. J. Westropp 8650 5178Guides (Tues.) Miss G. Dawson 8249 1799Guides (Fri.) Mrs. G. Dawson 8460 5884Brownies (Mon.) Ms. N. Blake 8460 7951Brownies (Wed.) Mrs. A. Bailey 8313 3745Brownies (Thurs.) Mrs. J. Adam 8289 5252Admissions Mrs. S. Neary 01689 856952Rainbows Mrs. J. Dalton 8650 0787Pre-School Mrs. P. Chase 8290 6704

or 07960 988552The TWO "W's" Mrs. A. Heayberd 8460 9537OTHER NUMBERSChurch Flowers Mrs. M. Parr 8460 3871Mission Chairman Mrs. S. Shelton 8402 3299Douai Link Mr. R. Hogg 8464 3129Fair Trade Mrs. C. Willatt 8313 0246

PARISH DIRECTORYSTAFFVicar Canon P. Miller 8460 4989Associate Vicar Rev. A. Newman 8658 7784Readers Mrs. A. Gimson 8460 6494

Mr. P. Stotesbury 8650 3259Mrs. J. Peters 8650 5986

Reader & Evangelist Mr. M. Newman 8658 7784Pastoral Assistants Mrs. S. Harrison 8464 0284

Mrs. J. Jackson 83251972Mrs. L. Miller 8460 4989Mrs M. Westropp 8650 5178

Parish Administrator Mr. R. Vickers 8460 5682Admin. Support Mrs. J. Peters 8460 5682Churchwardens Mrs. P. Chase 8464 6188

MissA. Parks 8464 1157Deputies Mr. S. Clark 8464 0696

Mr. D. Cooper 8460 0682Mr. C. Stokes 8460 0661Mr. B.Waring 07957186027

PCC Secretary Miss. J. Rambridge 8650 0947Treasurer Mr. T. Dawson 8460 5884Assistant Treasurer Mr. D. Weekes 8650 2950Organist & Mr. F. Roddy 01689 877025Director of MusicAssistant Organist Mrs. C. Tillotson 8460 7368Electoral Roll Mr. N. Stoffel 8460 0063Stewardship Mr. J. Westropp 8650 5178

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020 8777 4502

WORSHIPEvery Sunday

Every Monday

Every Wednesday

17.00 Evening Prayers10.00 Holy Communion

08.00 Holy Communion10.30 Family Communion, except the first

Sunday in the month in term time.During term time there are separategroups in the Church Hall for childrenaged 4-14.

10.30 All Age Eucharist or Parade Service18.30 Evening Service

(1st Sunday in the month, term time).

Further information about all servicescan be obtained from the Parish Office.

AEROBICS -

LADIES - COME AND JOIN JACKIE

BUMS, TUMS & THIGHS

Every Monday 8-9p.m.

at St. Mary’s Church Hall, St. Mary’s Avenue, Shortlands.

For more information Tel: 8650 2083 mob. 07957 357014

A class all ages can enjoy, beginners welcome.

www.jrkillick.co.uk

Kent IndustrialElectrical, Plumbing & Heating

For a free estimate or advice

Phone Nigel on 020 8290 6662

Professional Hair StylistAll family members catered for,within the comfort of your own home.

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HOMEOPATH

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Safe, effective treatment for a wide range of ailments at allstages of life. Clients treated at a welcoming home practicein Shortlands. For a no-obligation chat phone 8466 1115,

or appointments can be booked on 0784 951 1771

Sunnyfields Day Nursery19 Bromley Grove, Shortlands

7.30am - 6.30pm dailychildren 3 months to 5 years

Tel: 8313 9191

VIVA!Holistic Massage Therapy &Sports Remedial Massage

Rebekah Gilbert (Dip ITEC)Fully qualified and registered holistic massage

therapist - Take time to relax and unwind!For further information, or for an appointment:

Tel: 07974 001818 info@vivawellbeing.com

www.vivawellbeing.com

OSTEOPATHHilary Whitaker Bsc. (Hons) Ost., GOsC Registered

Osteopathic treatment can offer gentle effective relief forBack and neck pain/stiffness Joint pain

Muscular pains and tension Sports injuriesSciatica/trapped nerves

The Therapy Centre, 96 Martins Road (off Station Road)Shortlands BR2 0EF Tel: 020 8460 1213

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C V Preparation, Interview Technique,

Careers AdviceAre you about to enter the world of work?

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Janine Rankin - Qualified HR Consultant

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Tel: 020 8402 2406 e-mail: janine.rankin@jmaconsultants.co.uk

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